Proper Care For The Vagina

Sponsored Links:

Vaginal Care Tips

Every female should be conscious of her private parts especially the vagina. Knowing basic feminine hygiene is a must for all descendants of Eve; as this will keep them feeling good about themselves each day. But the real question is: Do you really know how to better take care for your femininity?

[singlepic id=137 w=320 h=240 float=right]To help us ward off wrong notions, Dr. Evelyn Palaypayon, current president of the Philippine Obstetrical & Gynecological Society (POGS), shared important eye-openers when it comes to the right personal hygiene for women.

“The vulva (genitals) should always be dry, not moist. Wipe it dry. But be gentle. Don’t rub it! Just pat,” she advised.

After bowel movement, don’t clean your anus from back to front. Use toilet paper and make sure it’s clean enough. Use soap and water afterwards; but clean it from behind. “When you clean your genitals (during this time), use the other hand. Use a vaginal wash that will serve as soap,” she pointed out. Using your other hand in washing your genitals will prevent infection in the future.

Dr. Palaypayon also discourages women in wearing tight pairs of jeans, as this will allow “moisture to occur.” She added: “Moisture is usually seen in vaginal infection (candida infection).

All women have vaginal discharge. “We normally have whitish or colorless vaginal flora. But when it’s itchy, gives off offensive odor or discolored, then that’s abnormal,” Dr. Palaypayon reiterated. Some abnormal discharges can come as curd-like (similar to cheese—known as Monilia), yellowish, greenish or grayish. When this happens, a woman most likely has bacterial vaginosis. An online resource defines bacterial vaginosis as “an infection that can lead to an unpleasant fishy odor.” A woman with offensive vaginal discharge should see a gynecologist right away. Treatment usually entails oral medication to prevent further infection.

In using panty liners, Dr. Palaypayon advises women to change frequently. “Each day, use clean liners. Don’t use liners once a day. After urinating, it can become moist.” Women who are fond of wearing sling backs (or T-backs) should always make sure its clean, to avoid infection from the anal area.

Shaving of pubic hair is not advisable, Dr. Palaypayon said. “The hair is usually there to protect. You normally shave it up to the hair follicles almost. That’s when organisms can easily enter the hair follicles and cause infection.”

So for proper feminine hygiene, always consult your trusted gynecologist. Don’t be afraid to ask questions in case you notice something not right in your private part. That way, you’ll be given proper diagnosis and treatment to keep you in the pink of feminine health all the time.

* Dr. Palaypayon is a former chairwoman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Far Eastern University (FEU) – Dr. Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation. An associate professor in OB-Gyne at FEU-NRMF, she is also affiliated to United Doctors Medical Center and Armed Forces of the Philippines-V. Luna General Hospital.